Why are my water pipes noisy? Common causes and fixes

What causes noisy water pipes and how to fix them

If your plumbing suddenly starts making strange sounds, you're not alone. Water pipes can become noisy when something isn’t working quite right. Some common water pipe noises include:

• Whistling
• Banging or a “water hammer”
• Rattling
• Vibrating
• Gurgling
• Bubbling

These sounds aren’t just annoying—they can also signal underlying problems that may get worse over time. Let’s explore the most common reasons your pipes are making noise and what steps you can take to fix the problem yourself or with the help of a professional plumber.

1. Water hammer

Symptoms: You might hear a loud banging or thudding noise, which can often occur when you turn off something in your home, like a tap or shower. It can sound like someone is hitting your pipes with a hammer.

Cause: Water hammer happens when water flow stops suddenly, creating a pressure wave that travels back through the pipes. This pressure can make the pipes rattle or bang against walls, especially if they’re not properly secured.

Fix: Try turning off your main water supply and opening all taps to drain the system—this can restore air cushions that absorb the shock. If that doesn’t work, you might need to install shock arrestors or add supports to loose pipes.

2.  High water pressure

Symptoms: A humming or vibrating noise in your water pipes signifies high water pressure.

Cause: High water pressure can stress your pipes and cause unusual noises as the water has to travel through your pipes too quickly. This could be due to a faulty pressure regulator, clogged pipes, or issues with the municipal water supply.

Fix: If your water pressure is too high, you should reduce it with a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). The ideal pressure is usually between 40–60 psi.

If your hot or cold water pressure is consistently too high or fluctuates often, one of our expert plumbers can diagnose the source and safely install or replace a pressure regulator.

3. Sludge and sediment buildup

Symptoms: You may hear tapping, rattling, clicking, or gurgling noises coming from the sludge and sediment buildup inside your pipes.

Cause: Over time, minerals and debris can build up inside your water heater or pipes, especially in areas with hard water. This sediment traps heat and creates noise as water moves through it.

Fix: Flush your water system to help remove sediment and restore quiet operation. For a longer-term solution, you can also look into a magnetic boiler filter, which will help to stop the sludge from entering the boiler.

4. Loose fittings or worn parts

Symptoms: You might hear rattling, vibrating, or clunking noises, especially when water is running or taps are turned on and off.

Cause: Over time, pipe fittings can loosen, and parts like washers or valves can wear out, which can cause pipes to shake or fixtures to make noise as water flows through.

Fix: Check visible pipes and faucets for loose connections or worn components. Replacing old washers or securing loose pipes with clips or brackets can often solve the issue.

5. Copper pipes

Symptoms: You may hear noise in your water pipes after using the hot water.

Cause: Copper expands and contracts with temperature changes. This means that as it moves, it can rub against framing or tight spaces, creating subtle but noticeable noises.

Fix: Copper pipes are designed to handle this scenario, so these sounds are usually harmless. Wrapping the pipes with foam insulation or using plastic pipe clips can reduce movement and muffle the noise.

6. Worn-out washers

Symptoms: A squealing or squeaking noise that happens most commonly when the washing machine is on but also occurs for washers in taps and valves.

Cause: Washers inside taps and valves can wear out or become misaligned over time. As water flows past the damaged part, it creates high-pitched noises, which most commonly happen with washers connected to washing machines.

Fix: Replacing the worn washer or the entire faucet cartridge is often a simple, inexpensive fix. You can easily fix this problem yourself with a few basic tools.

If you’re unsure how to take apart your faucet—or the noise persists after replacing the washer—it might be best for one of our professional plumbers to help quickly diagnose and repair the issue.

7. Trapped air

Symptoms: Gurgling, bubbling, or spluttering sounds coming from your water pipes.

Cause: Air pockets can get trapped in the plumbing system, which disrupts the water flow and causes unusual noises as water pushes through.

Fix: To reset your water system and release trapped air, first locate your main shut-off valve (often under the kitchen sink) and turn it clockwise to stop the water. Open all taps fully to drain the system, allowing air to escape. After the water has stopped running, slowly turn the valve counter-clockwise to restore the water supply. Once the taps run steadily, close them one by one, starting with the one furthest from the valve.

Are noisy water pipes dangerous?

Noisy pipes aren’t always something to panic about, but they can be a sign that something’s not quite right. Some sounds, like creaks from hot pipes or a bit of gurgling, are usually harmless. But louder noises—like banging, whistling, or rattling—might point to issues like high water pressure or loose parts, which can cause damage over time.

It’s a good idea to figure out what’s causing the noise so you can fix it early and avoid bigger (and more expensive) problems down the line.

Expert plumbing support you can count on from HomeServe

If you’ve tried the methods above and your water pipes are still noisy, one of our expert plumbers can help you tackle the problem. Whether it’s a minor rattle or a major plumbing issue, our trusted team of professionals is just a call away, ready to help with friendly, reliable service you can count on.

Thinking ahead, just in case? With our Plumbing and Drainage Cover, you’ll have peace of mind knowing expert help is available whenever you need it, no matter how big or small the problem. Let us take the stress out of your plumbing worries so you can get back to enjoying a quieter, more comfortable home.